Hot Topics Nanotechnology Biotechnology Computational Finance Astrophysics Green Chemistry Learning Goes Beyond Lectures Signs of Excellence Computing, Instrumentation, and the New Labs Why Choose Carnegie Mellon for Science?

Have a question? Try these links: Visits and Applications FAQ Parents Contact Us Site Map Home Carnegie Mellon Undergraduate Admissions

Mellon College of Science Carnegie Mellon

Biotechnology

The era of biotechnology has begun and its impact is being felt at multiple levels. Our faculty are recognized as leaders in biotech innovation and their work is helping to shape the future of the field. Whether developing a blood substitute, data-mining the proteome or designing sensitive biosensors, there are many exciting biotechnology research projects on our campus and in the surrounding area.

The Quest for Artificial Blood

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon, headed by Biological Sciences Professor Chien Ho, Ph.D., have been exploring ways to create a blood substitute. By using genetic engineering techniques, they have created artificial hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen through the body. This manufactured hemoglobin could be used in artificial blood for surgeries and transplants. Eventually, it could someday alleviate shortages in blood banks.

Professor Chien Ho, Ph.D.
The quest for artificial blood at Carnegie Mellon

Proteomics

Computational analysis of molecular sequence data is a key component in solving three critical biological problems of the 21st century:

• how genes interact to produce living cells
• how gene malfunction causes disease
• how complex multicellular organisms evolved from simple, unicellular organisms

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Computer Science, Dannie Durand, uses computational approaches to studying the role of gene duplication in the acquisition of new gene function and the evolution of vertebrate genomes.

Packard Fellowship, NIH Grant Launches Dannie Durand's Study of Genes
Dannie Durand

BioVenture/Life Sciences Greenhouse Aims to Develop Bioscience Industries

Orthopedic surgeon Anthony DiGioia (E’78, ’82) discusses HipNav, a computer-aided system for hip replacement surgeries, with Arlen Specter (R – Pa.) at a press conference last spring Announcing Carnegie Mellon's new Medical Robotics and Information Technology Center (MERIT).

Leaders of the Pittsburgh region's health care and bioscience industries, economic development organizations and local government have united with Pittsburgh BioVenture, a biotechnology planning effort launched by Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh last spring, to release a 10-year strategic plan to position the region as a global leader in the bioscience industry.

BioVenture/Life Sciences Greenhouse
Greenhouse Attracts First Company; Gets $33.33 Million in State Funding

Biotechnology links
Biotechnology at Carnegie Mellon
Bone Tissue Engineering at Carnegie Mellon
More about Bone Tissue Engineering
Information about tissue engineering